Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN: Privacy Comparison

Proton VPN and ExpressVPN are both premium VPN services with strong reputations, but Proton VPN edges ahead on privacy due to its open-source commitment, organizational structure, and integration with the broader Proton privacy ecosystem. Both are solid choices compared to free or less reputable VPN services, but privacy-focused users will find more to trust in Proton VPN. Proton VPN is developed by Proton AG, the same Swiss company behind ProtonMail. Switzerland's strong privacy laws and position outside intelligence-sharing alliances provide a favorable legal framework. Proton VPN's apps are fully open source and have undergone independent security audits by SEC Consult and others. The service operates under a strict no-logs policy, storing only the timestamp of the last successful login attempt, which is overwritten with each new login. Proton VPN offers a free tier with no data limits, no ads, and no selling of user data, a rarity in the VPN market. The Secure Core feature routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries before exiting, adding an extra layer of protection against network-based attacks. Proton VPN also integrates with the Tor network for additional anonymity. ExpressVPN is a well-established VPN service known for fast speeds and reliable performance. The company has completed independent audits of its no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers (TrustedServer technology) that cannot store persistent data. However, ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021, a company with a controversial history in the adware space. This acquisition raised concerns among privacy advocates about the long-term direction of the service. ExpressVPN's apps are not fully open source, though the company has open-sourced its Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN collects more telemetry data than Proton VPN, including app diagnostics, speed test data, and connection success metrics. Performance-wise, both VPNs offer excellent speeds and global server coverage. ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is fast and lightweight, while Proton VPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and its Stealth protocol for bypassing VPN blocks. Both services work across all major platforms with user-friendly apps. ExpressVPN is generally better for streaming, with more consistent access to geo-restricted content on Netflix, Disney+, and other platforms. Proton VPN has improved its streaming capabilities but does not match ExpressVPN's consistency in this area. Proton VPN wins on privacy due to its open-source transparency, Swiss jurisdiction, non-profit-aligned organizational structure, and the trust established through the broader Proton ecosystem. ExpressVPN is a capable service, but the Kape Technologies acquisition and less transparent codebase give Proton VPN the edge for privacy-conscious users. The availability of a genuine free tier also makes Proton VPN more accessible.